Bob West, 73

Robert Rea West, age 73, of Sturgis, was surrounded by family when he passed away peacefully on Monday, June 20, 2022 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, after a short illness with lung cancer.

Bob was born February 14, 1949 in Sturgis, a son to the late Claude E. and Ruth L. (Kingsley) West.

Bob graduated from Sturgis High School with the Class of 1967. He then received a Bachelor degree from MSU in fisheries and fish biology/conservation in 1971. While in the 295th Military Police Company, Bob served as a Senior Military Policeman from 1971 until his honorable discharge in 1973. During his military service he married Martha Hanson, that marriage ended in divorce. Bob married Denise Owen on September 1, 1984; they would have celebrated their 38th anniversary this year.

Bob owned and operated Robert West Plastering LLC from early childhood with his father till his retirement and then some.

He enjoyed his Gold Wing motorcycle, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing. Bob went fishing every spring in Lake Erie and was called “Walleye Bob”.

He is survived by his wife Denise West of Sturgis, step daughter Stacy Owen of Portland, Oregon, sisters Betty (Whitey) Pranga of Sturgis and Barbara West of Johannesburg, MI, and brother, Roger (Calsie) West of Byron Center, MI.

According to his wishes cremation has taken place. A graveside memorial service will be held Monday, June 27, 2022 at 10:00 A.M at Lakeside Cemetery in Colon with Pastor Terry Siler officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Joseph County Dive Rescue. Envelopes will be available at the Schipper Funeral Home LTD. in Colon. Condolences may be left for the family at Schipperfuneralhome.com